Hagley Digital Archives

The Hagley Digital Archives provides online access to selected items from the Hagley Library's collection of images, documents, and publications related to the history of business, technology, and society.

Ordnance department survey on artillery sent to various battery commanders in the field. Its intention was to evaluate the effectiveness of cannons, projectiles, and horse related equipment in field service. This survey was filled out by First Lieutenant Henry Algernon du Pont, commander of Battery B, 5th U.S. Artillery. This survey is for the first quarter of 1864.

Correspondence regarding a canceled visit to Louviers by the Smiths. Included is discussion of drawings Smith had produced for Sophie du Pont of the Naval Machine Shop in Port Royal and the life of the Wright of Derby.

Du Pont tells Drayton that the situation at the Stono River is changing and asks Drayton to look into it with the Pawnee. Commander Marchand has entered the River with the Unadilla, Pembina, and Ottawa and found Coles Island to be abandoned, but a few miles above Legareeville the Confederates have appeared with a 'floating hulk' being towed by steam tugs and armed with a gun of long range, and Confederate batteries are reported higher up the river. Drayton is to assume command of the Naval forces of the Stono River, which Du Pont expects to be an important new sphere of operations.

Du Pont is transferring to Drayton's command the gunboats Unadilla and Pembina and orders Drayton to proceed to St. Helena Sound on a reconnaissance mission to assess the preparation of the Confederate forces at Hunting Island and other locations in the vicinity. Du Pont reminds Drayton of the details of the mission and to avoid any engagement with batteries of force.

Henry relaying to his son news about Aunt Lina, a snowstorm and the Delaware Regiments. The Delaware Cavalry battalion had left for Drummond town, but left one Company in Wilmington in search of deserters. There was a parade of the 5th Del. Regiment, notes the Brandywine Companies were the best drillers

Copy of du Pont's reply to a letter from Reichard, asking for du Pont's help in having his unit (Battery M, 3rd Pennsylvania Artillery) transferred out of Fort Delaware. Du Pont offers his help and advises Reichard of ways he can apply for a transfer.